I have a 1996 Z34 Monte Carlo that is flashing a check engine code. The code is 96. Does anyone know what that means? The car is missing pretty bad and has died on me a couple of times. I thought it was bad gas but I'm not sure now because I have put dry gas in it and ran it almost empty and put new gas in and it is still missing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Lana..
GM code PO96 Is:
P096Torque converter clutch (TCC) -over-stressedECM trouble codes stored, driver error
Are you sure this is the correct code?
A PO496 code makes more sense to me...
Especially with the running issues you have described..

This would be whats described as some of the reasoning behind this code
The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel tank vapors are allowed to move from the fuel tank, due to pressure in the tank, through the vapor pipe, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent line and EVAP vent solenoid to the atmosphere. The EVAP canister stores the fuel vapors until the engine is able to use them. At an appropriate time, the PCM will command the EVAP purge valve open, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the EVAP vent valve open, fresh air will be drawn through the valve and vent line to the EVAP canister. Fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling fuel vapors from the carbon. The air/fuel vapor mixture continues through the EVAP purge pipe and EVAP purge valve into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The EVAP system requires the PCM be able to detect a leak as small as 0.040 inch in the EVAP system. The PCM uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking.



I could be wrong... as this to is a possibility..
So pls double check the trouble code...

Hope this helps...


How many miles on it?
As far as the misfires..
Whens the last time the motor had a tune-up or oil & filter change?

When the last time the transmission had a fluid & filter change?

I would recommend a tune up on the motor and also get the transmission filter and fluid change and see if both these things help with the over all driveability and or take it to a transmission shop for a diagnosis and a possible easy fix..
I'm sure others will chime in with more ideas and repairs..
Please be sure to keep us posted on the cause as well as what had to be done to repair it.
So pls double check the trouble code...

Thanks for joining the MCF Family!

 

It has 170000 miles. Oil and filter has been changed on basis of every 3000 miles. I don't think the transmission filter and fluid has ever been changed. It needs a tuneup. The wires and plugs were changed 3 years ago but the one in the back (sorry I don't know what cylinder it is) is really hard to get to so it wasn't changed. I haven't had any trouble with it shifting or anything like that. Could it be sending that code because of the miss fire? And when I got that code the car just died in the middle of the road. I had to push it off and I had a devil of a time getting it to go in neutral. It started back up after a few minutes and I got it home. Luckily I was only 1/2 mile from the house.

 

Lana are you sure that's the correct code?

If you could pls dbl check the code incase it show some other possible codes.. or possibly some missing/transposed numbers? Thanks
If you review my original post/response I added 1 other possible code and what it means...
That could also add to the trouble your experiencing..

and your welcome...
Were here to help!

 

Hi, Lana,
I strongly recommend you go to AutoZone or advance Auto parts and have them read your trouble code. When they read it it will also give you a possibility of what the issues are and what needs repairing. They do not charge for this service and it takes only a few minutes. Your car is a 96 that makes it an OBDII computer and they can give you accurate information. Good Luck, Hotrodgeo (George)

 

^ agreed

 

I did see your post about the PO496 and agree it makes more sense. My son and I both got the same code on different occasions. I tried going to Auto Zone and Advance Auto and neither have a code reader that goes back that far. I know I have used one at Auto Zone before but not at our local Auto Zone. I will probably end up taking it to the dealership. I had it in there last week because of an ignition wiring problem. I started having this problem a couple of days later. I thought I might have gotten a hold of some bad gas but I don't think it would cause all of these problems.

 

OBDII is standard. You must have OBD 1 or 1.5. A code 96 (OBD1) is a transmission electrical fault.